7.1.3. Community Learning Initiative Funding

Funding is based on an annual grant application process and covers instructional, administrative/coordination and educational resource costs. The grants cover program costs to a maximum of 40 weeks from September to June. There is no maximum amount for which an applicant can apply. The amount of the application is dependent on anticipated student enrolment as that determines the number of volunteer tutors and classroom instructors, and therefore, the number of coordinators. Educational resource funding is allocated on the number of programs managed by any one organization. Suggested resource allocation is $250 per program for Level 1 and 2 programs and $1200 for Level 3 programs. The larger funding amount for Level 3 is in recognition of the need for ‘enhanced resources’¹⁹ such as access to computers and science labs.

Because funding is allocated through an annual application process, the literacy organizations cannot retain permanent employees. Furthermore, the funding is for 40 weeks only. The salary range is $15.00 to $20.00 per hour plus benefits for tutor coordinators and instructors. Instructors must have a university degree, preferably in education, or equivalent experience and training with at least two years relevant experience working with adults in an educational setting. There is no requirement for a teaching certificate.

Not–for–profit community based organizations accounted for 65% of the student population in adult literacy programs (see section 4.2, Table 2) but receive only 43% of the program funding (see Section 7.1.2, Table 9).

The following is an excerpt from the Literacy Nova Scotia – Election 2003 Toolkit which summarizes the funding issues challenging the community–based literacy organizations.

"These organizations have responded to the downloading of government responsibility by offering programming at the community level at a fraction of the cost required by the public schools or the community colleges. Most of the not–for–profit organizations are hampered in their work by insufficient funding, competition for scarce resources, difficulty in retaining staff and volunteers, and finally, anxieties caused by funding uncertainties and constraints in the use of funds."²⁰

7.1.4. Federal Provicincial Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA)

In the past two years, Federal Provincial LMDA funding priorities included literacy, youth and information technology projects. The strategic directions for these priorities include:

Literacy –

• Provide Building Blocks for Transitions into Learning and the World of Work
• Develop a Skilled, Competitive Workforce
• Promote Learning Communities in Nova Scotia

Youth –

• Supporting Initiatives to Enhance the Employability of Youth at Risk
• Providing Access to Information Technology for Youth
• Furthering the Development of Entrepreneurship Skills in Youth

¹⁹ Community Learning Initiative Grant Application Guidelines: 2002–2003, pages 2 – 5
²⁰ Literacy Nova Scotia website – www.nald.ca/province/ns/literacyns/elect03/whatdone